In this heartfelt episode of ‘From Surviving to Living,’ Coley Gates shares his incredible story. Once sentenced to 999 years in prison, Coley talks about his rough upbringing, and life of crime. Discover how his faith in God transformed his life behind bars, leading to an unexpected release supported even by the victim’s family. Coley’s […]

In this heartfelt episode of ‘From Surviving to Living, the Spotlight Edition,’ we join Brady Pask as he shares his life story, marked by early exposure to drugs and alcohol, various family complexities, and the transformative power of faith. Born to a single mother after her brief relationship with a much younger man, Brady was […]

Don Weld Jr., a Minneapolis native, grew up in a Christian family where service and ministry were parts of daily life. His early exposure to prison ministry through his father’s involvement ignited a passion for helping those on the margins of society. By adulthood, Don was actively participating in prison ministries, combining sports and spiritual […]

Join us in this inspiring episode where we delve into the life and journey of Patrick Day, a man who found hope and direction in the most challenging times. Patrick, once ensconced in the depths of depression and despair, turned his life around through faith, mentorship, and service. As a credentialed correctional chaplain and the […]

Matt Emerson’s journey from adversity to advocacy showcases the profound impact of resilience, education, and a dedication to community service. Born into a biracial family, Matt navigated the complexities of racial identity and societal challenges from a young age. His early experiences with substance abuse and dealing led to a period of homelessness and eventually […]

In this episode of the From Surviving to Living Spotlight Series, the conversation with guest Al Reff centers on the common issue of not feeling good enough, struggling with societal expectations, and the deep-seated desire for acceptance. The discussion aims to explore what the Bible teaches about our identity, value, and worth, offering insights into […]

This episode features an interview with Christina Lusk, who shares her personal journey of coming out as transgender, facing discrimination and hate, contemplating suicide, and her struggle for acceptance and rights within the prison system. Born in Rochester, Minnesota, Christina’s life took a dramatic turn after coming out in 2008, leading to a series of […]

SHOW NOTES From Surviving to Living Spotlight: Breaking Stigmas and Building Bridges with David Boehnke This episode of ‘From Surviving to Living Spotlight’ features a dialogue with IWOC coordinator David Boehnke, who discusses his journey from experiencing bullying and questioning societal structures, to deeply engaging in activism and organizing against the social stigma surrounding incarceration. […]

In this captivating episode of ‘From Surviving to Living, Spotlight Series’ we dive into the powerful story of Felicia, a woman who journeyed from a troubled past, marked by poverty and family struggles, to a life entangled with undiagnosed mental health issues, gambling addiction, and a series of bank robberies. Felicia opens up about her […]

In this episode of the ‘From Surviving to Living Spotlight’ series podcast, the host is joined by her youngest son, Tim, for a deeply personal conversation. Tim shares his journey from being adopted in Washington to moving to Minnesota to reconnect with his biological family. He discusses the complexities of adoption, his struggle with social […]